2m desktop/basestation

[N4ADE]

what is a good 2m desktop radio that isint too expensive and is really good something around $800 or less

 

[mrweather]

Any 2M mobile radio can be turned into a desktop radio by adding an appropriate power supply. And it'll be a LOT cheaper than 800 bones.

But... if you're looking to spend some coin, you could try a Kenwood TS-790. It hasn't been made in quite a while but they show up on the used market from time to time. It's a fantastic all-mode 2M base radio.

 

[N4ADE]

i guess what im saying is i am looking for a desktop unit that does 2m and other things that is good that is not a mobile or handheld but thanks i will look for that one
looking at the icom ic-7000 and the kenwood TS-B2000 while trying to find cheaper ones that are similar to them

 

[mrweather]

Ah okay, I see what you're saying.

You might want to consider the Icom 746PRO. You can find them on the used market for around $900. Covers 160M to 2M all modes and 100 watts.

 

[D00D]

I have the 7000 which lets me do 2M SSB. That's nice to have. I've been seeing them for about $850 on the 7000 mailing list but know people that have done better than that. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a TS-2000 for that.

 

[N4ADE]

if i can find one around that price almost new that would be awesome please let me know if someone is selling one would be ideal if they where in Florida but if not as long as they can ship it will be fine

also would be nice if they had the box and everything in it

thanks,
Brian

 

[gcgrotz]

Hey Brian:

The Icom IC-746pro has 100 watts on 2m ssb/fm. Recently discontinued by Icom but look for a used one maybe in your price range. Plus, it is a heck of a good HF radio.

 

[RadioDaze]

Brian, call Ham Radio Outlet in Anaheim, CA at 800-854-6046

I was in there yesterday and saw an Icom IC-275H 2M all-mode rig in their consignment section. Asking price was $699.

Keep in mind that it's 2 meter ONLY.

 

[D00D]

Wow. I'd have a hard time paying that much for a single-band all-mode radio when you can pay about the same for an all-band all-mode radio. ymmv.

 

[N4ADE]

i think i will stay away from the 2m only radio as i am looking for something that does the same bands as the ic-7000 and that is pretty expensive for only one band
so only multi band radios

 

[Token]

Wow. I'd have a hard time paying that much for a single-band all-mode radio when you can pay about the same for an all-band all-mode radio. ymmv.

There are a few ways to think about single band radios. I prefer single band radios myself, but have both, single banders and DC-to-daylight rigs.

If you use single band radios and a single radio dies you are only down on one band. Use something like the Kenwood TS-2000x (I have two, one on the desk and one in my Bronco) and if the radio fails you are off the air...period. Of course, without a radio like the TS2Kx it is very unlikely I would have HF/6M/2M/70cm/23cm/Wideband RX all in my Bronco. Would I really bother if I had to have 5 or 6 rigs in there instead of one rig and a single control head?

Single band radios, particularly good ones like the 275H, tend to be better in several performance criteria than an "all-in-one". My TS-2000x is good, possibly the best single bang-for-buck value radio to be had today, it does everything at least to an OK level, but it does not compete with a good HF only rig on HF, or the 275H on 2M, or the 475H on 70cm, or the 575H on 10M/6M. Of course, none of those radios is going to cross band whatever they are on to my 70cm HT either, but the TS2K does that exceedingly well, it is the primary reason I have one on the desk.

Single band radios allow you to work and watch everything at once. You can park on the calling freq for the band or scan the band without missing the same kind of stuff on the other bands. You are more likely to make that contact.

T!
Mohave Desert, California, USA